Overview
Built for success
Construction projects are becoming increasingly complex, with evolving contractual frameworks, tighter commercial pressures and growing expectations around accountability and compliance. Professionals across the built environment are expected not only to deliver projects, but to understand and apply the legal principles that underpin them.
Our LLM Construction Law is designed for mid-career professionals looking to develop specialist capability in contract management, risk, claims and dispute resolution. With a strong focus on practical application, the programme builds your confidence in navigating legal frameworks and supports more informed, effective decision-making in real project environments. A defining feature of the programme is its Professional Practice Capstone module, where you’ll apply your learning through a simulated hearing that reflects real-world dispute resolution practice.
This programme may be subject to change.
Why study this degree?
- Develop specialist expertise in construction law, contracts and dispute resolution
- Address critical industry skills gaps in risk, claims and legal interpretation
- Study flexibly with a fully online, part-time postgraduate programme
- Strengthen your capability to progress into senior or specialist roles
About this programme
The details
Our online LLM Construction Law is a two-year, part-time master’s programme designed to meet growing industry demand for legally informed construction professionals. It’s particularly suited to those working in commercial, project, legal and dispute-related roles who want to deepen their expertise without stepping away from their careers.
The programme begins by establishing strong legal foundations in areas such as construction law, contract law and tort law. These core modules provide the framework needed to understand how legal principles shape procurement, project delivery and commercial decision-making in practice.
In Year 2 of the programme, you’ll specialise in a pathway aligned with key dispute resolution and advisory roles, choosing between adjudication, arbitration, mediation or expert witness practice. Additional areas of study may include obligations and evidence, contract administration, and delay and disruption analysis, allowing you to tailor your learning to your professional interests and career goals.
Throughout the programme, learning is applied and closely aligned to industry practice. You’ll explore real project scenarios, commercial challenges and live dispute examples, supported by teaching from professionals with both legal and construction expertise.
Delivered fully online, the programme is designed to fit around professional commitments while supporting meaningful career progression. The programme culminates in a Professional Practice Capstone module, where you’ll bring together your learning in a practical exercise centred on a simulated hearing, enabling you to apply your knowledge in a realistic, professionally relevant context.
Course accreditations
The University is seeking accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) as part of the programme development.
Structure
You will study 8 modules across 2 years.
- Obligations and Commercial Relationships
- Commercial Construction Practice
- Negligence and Damages
- Electives (choose one):
- Evidence and Advocacy
- Contract Administration
- Electives (choose one):
- Arbitration Practice and Procedure
- Adjudication Practice and Procedure
- Mediation Practice and Procedure
- Expert Practice and Procedure
- Electives (choose one):
- Completion and Resolution
- Delay and Disruption
- Professional Practice Capstone: Construction Dispute Hearing
Please note that modules are subject to change.
Programme leader
Associate Professor
James Beckwith
MA MSc LLM PgCAP FRICS FCIArb FAIQS CQS FHEA
James Beckwith is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager and has had a career in industry spanning over 20 years. James works as a Professional Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager and Employer’s Agent, in addition to taking appointments as an Adjudicator, Party Representative in Adjudications and Expert Witness. James has skills in recovering projects that are in distress and a specialism in contract practice and relational contracting.
